Detectives have appealed for the public's help to identify a man whose body was found near a canal in Shropshire.

The man, who is thought to have been aged between 25 and 45, was discovered by members of the public near Newport shortly after 8am on Wednesday.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, but the cause of the man's death has yet to be ascertained.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, of West Mercia Police, said: "This investigation remains at an early stage and we would expect it to continue for some time.

"However, I'd like to reassure local people that a large number of officers are currently working on this case. As of yet we have been unable to identify the dead man and it is vital that we do this to enable us to progress our investigation more quickly."

The dead man was white, of slim build, and around 5ft 5in with closely-shaved hair and brown eyes.

Mr Tonks disclosed that a tidily-packed black Mio walking satellite navigation system drawstring bag, a pair of glasses, a blue Helly Hansen jacket, a blue fleece coat and a woolly hat with an "NY" logo on it, were found near the body.

"We would be keen to hear from anyone who may recognise this man from the description given or anyone who suspects they may know who this man is," Mr Tonks said.

The area where the body was found, which is close to Broomfield Road, was sealed off immediately as police began investigations at the scene and the area remains cordoned off.

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call police on 0300 333 3000 or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.